Legal standards
All rental properties must be safe, fit for tenants to live in, meet minimum energy efficiency standards, and not contain anything harmful to health.
Awaabs law
After two-year-old Awaab Ishak sadly died in 2020 because of mould in his home the Government published comprehensive guidance on how to address damp and mould in homes.
See the Government guidance on damp and mould Sept 2023.
Enforcing Standards
We have a duty to take action if any of the standards are not being met. Tenants can take their own action if a landlord is not complying with certain legislation.
What is damp and how common is it in private rented homes?
Damp is when moisture builds up and can damage buildings and furniture. It can show up as wet spots, stains, peeling paint or wallpaper, and a musty smell. There are different types of damp, like condensation, penetrating damp, rising damp, and traumatic damp.
Identifying damp and mould:
- What to look for: You might see mould, smell a musty odour, or notice water damage. These signs mean you need to take action.
- Penetrating damp happens when water comes in from outside due to problems with walls, roofs, windows, or floors.
- Rising damp: This is when moisture from the ground moves up through walls and floors. It can be hard to spot but can be seen during a visual check.
According to the English Housing Survey, 9% of private rented homes have damp that is serious enough to be considered a category 1 hazard.
Tenants should not be blamed for damp and mould.
Landlords should not think that damp and mould are only because of how tenants live.
It is the landlord's job to find and fix the real causes, like building problems or poor ventilation.
By working with tenants, landlords can help change habits to reduce condensation, making the home better and tenants happier.
Types of damp
When dealing with damp in a home, it's important to know the type of damp.
Each type has different causes and needs different fixes. It's important to identify the type correctly before fixing it.
It’s worth noting that there might be more than one cause for damp.
- Condensation: Happens when warm, moist air hits a cold surface, often causing black mould.
- Penetrating Damp: Caused by leaks in roofs, gutters, or pipes.
- Plumbing Damp: Caused by leaks in plumbing.
- Rising Damp: Caused by groundwater soaking into walls and floors, usually on the ground floor. It can be due to poor outside render or blocked gutters.
- Building Faults: Cracks in walls, mortar joints, or render.
Why this matters
Managing damp and mould in rental homes is very important because it affects the health and well-being of tenants. It can also lower the value of your property and affect your rental income.
Damp and mould can cause serious health problems like breathing issues and allergies, especially for children, the elderly, and those already sick.
By fixing these problems quickly, landlords can make sure the home is safe and healthy, keep the property in good shape, and avoid legal problems. Taking care of damp and mould helps keep tenants happy and reduces the chances of them moving out with all the costs that go with re-letting the property.
Landlord guidance for managing black mould
Black mould is a fungus that grows in damp, dark places. It likes areas with condensation. Small mouldy spots can turn into bigger brown or black patches on walls, ceilings, or skirting boards.
If you or your tenants smell mould but can't see it, there might be mould behind things like wallpaper, panelling, ceiling tiles, carpets, behind pipes, furniture, or inside heating and ventilation units.
Causes of black mould
- Poor ventilation and being too cold are the main causes.
- Water leaks can create damp conditions.
- Rain entering through cracks or damage to roofs or windows.
- Smaller rooms can handle less moisture, making them more prone to mould.
Preventing black mould
Identify the source
- Find out if the mould is caused by condensation, leaks, or other issues
- Fix the problem to prevent mould from returning
Clean, repair and repaint
- Be careful when dealing with mould. Removing carpets or wallpaper can release a lot of mould spores. Wear protective gear and ask a professional for help if you're worried.
- Use mould removal products to clean the affected area.
- After cleaning, repair any damage to walls, ceilings, or skirting boards.
- Repaint with mould-resistant paint to stop mould from coming back.
Insulate
- Insulate doors, walls and windows to help reduce cold surfaces where condensation can form.
- Double glazing helps manage condensation, increases property value, and reduces maintenance costs, making it a smart investment for landlords.
- Install extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens with a run on timer to stay on for at least 15 minutes after the lights are turned off to remove the damp air (Source: PEATA Guidance).
- Ensure windows can be opened to allow airflow and install trickle vents.
Regular inspections
- Check for signs of damp and mould regularly
- Repair any leaks in plumbing, roofs, or windows promptly
- After fixing the problem, inspect the home at least six weeks later to make sure the issue is gone. If damp and mould come back, more investigation and work are needed.
Educate tenants
- Tell your tenants about ventilation and heating explain why it's important.
- Give tips to reduce moisture. Suggest using lids on pots while cooking and drying clothes outside or in well-ventilated areas.
- Encourage daily condensation wiping. This helps prevent mould by removing moisture.
- Encourage tenants to clean affected areas with mould removal spray.
- Keeping the property at a steady temperature helps prevent condensation.
By following these tips, you can manage and stop damp and mould in your rental home. This keeps your tenants safe and healthy and protects your valuable property.
If you need further advice, consider consulting with a professional or contact your landlord liaison offer.
Grants, advice for landlords and tenants as well as retro-fit options for your property are available via Energy Advice.
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